I still have pending requests for the 24 hours prompt. Rest assured I’m still planning to write ‘em. Just be patient. I’ll do them this weekend once I’m off work. I just can’t squeeze them after working hours. Too tired. Hahaha!
Nami wiped the sweat that trickled down her temple with the back of her hand.
It was a hot day. Not in a sweltering way but still enough to make one perspire from just a few minimal movements.
Hermikan trees have finally arrived, courtesy of her sister. Honestly, Nami was surprised that it was delivered to her and that they made it to where she was in one piece. She was actually planning to drive back to her hometown once she’s already settled in her new place and bring back a tree or two.
But Nojiko always know what to expect from her. It would probably take her a month or two before she’d be able to visit her.
So she sent her the trees.
Bless her. Nami thought. She’s the best.
She touched one of the fruits hanging from the branches.
“You’ll like it here,” she murmured at them.
Franky has allotted a place for her in the rooftop’s garden when she asked him if she can plant something there. She saw that there was a flower bed and a vegetable garden and instantly thought that her mikan trees would be a good addition to it.
The light blue-haired, slightly weird, landlord was enthusiastic about that idea and even offered to help her bring them up.
Nami cracked her knuckles and stretched her arms.
“Now,” she announced. “Time to get you all inside and up to the top.” Her eyes then trailed up the five story apartment building.
Oh boy. This is gonna that a lot of work.
“Nami?”
She turned towards the voice that called her. A beautiful raven-haired woman stepped out of the building. Her kind, blue eyes twinkled at the sight of her trees.
“Robin hi!” She greeted.
“Ara, you’re mikan trees are here finally. They are lovely.” Robin reached out to daintily touch one orange orb. Her eyes crinkled in mirth when she caught Nami’s surprised expression.
“Oh, Franky told me,” she explained. “It’s nice to finally have some company in the rooftop garden.”
“Ah!” Nami nodded. The flower bed belongs to her of course. Franky did mention it. “I hope you don’t mind. They’re not gonna take a lot of space.”
“You don’t need to worry,” Robin smiled at her. “An additional greenery wouldn’t hurt ne?”
At the mention of the word green, Nami was suddenly reminded of a certain grouchy green-haired guy…
“Do you need help bringing them up?”
Nami nodded again. “Yes actually. Is Franky available? He did offer to help me bring them up.”
Robin shook her head. “I’m afraid he’s not free today. He has some errands to do and would probably be back late.”
“Oh,” Nami glanced at her trees. “Ah, but don’t worry. I can wait.”
The older woman studied her for a moment. “Hmm… I can ask Zoro to help you.”
Zoro?
Nami groaned inwardly. She doesn’t think she’s up to owing that guy any favor.
“It’s alright Robin, I can actually…”
But Robin already has her phone pressed against her ear and was already talking to Zoro, instructing him to come down and help her.
She ended the call and beamed a smile at Nami. “There. That way you don’t need to wait for so long to get them up to their new home.”
“This is kinda embarrassing…”
“Don’t worry about it. Zoro’s actually happy to help anyone.”
That made Nami raised an eyebrow.
He is?
He doesn’t look that type.
“Oh I know he doesn’t look that type,”
Nami’s eyes actually widened on Robin’s remark. Did she like… read her mind?
“But believe me. He’s always happy to lend a hand. Even if he complains about it, he actually gets the job done.”
Nami just nodded her head. That was quite an interesting fact.
The building’s door opened and out stepped Zoro.
“Ara, that was fast,” Robin observed as Zoro approached them. “You didn’t get lost?”
“I don’t get lost,” Zoro growled at her. “What do you need?”
“Can you help Nami bring her trees up in the rooftop? Franky wouldn’t be back until later tonight.”
Zoro gave Nami a sideway glance and she just shrugged.
He made a disapproving sound with his tongue. “Fine.”
“Thank you Zoro,” Robin said, patting Nami on the shoulder. “I have to go now. I’ll leave you two to it. I’m looking forward to seeing them in the rooftop the next time I go up.”
Nami grinned at her. “Thanks Robin! You’ve been a really great help!”
“My pleasure!” Robin gave them a slight wave, before heading off. “Zoro,” she nodded her head slightly at him.
“Yeah, yeah.”
Nami watched her walk away before she felt a nudge on her shoulder.
“Oi,” Zoro was frowning at her, looking displeased at the fact that he got roped to assist her so early in the morning. “Hold the door open so I can bring them inside.”
“Are you sure you can lift them?” Nami looked skeptically at him. “It took two men to carry one down the delivery truck.”
Zoro just huffed at her, before grasping one of the trees’ pot and lifting it up…
…with almost no effort at all.
Nami’s jaw almost dropped open. Whoa?!
“Nami. The door!” He barked at her.
Nami instantly moved to open it for him, her mind reeling at the fact that this snarky man is insanely strong.
Three round trips later, all her mikan trees are now in their proper places on the rooftop.
“Hey Zoro,” she called out to him amaze that he was able to bring all her trees up by himself. “Tha—”
Her gratitude died in her throat and she tried hard to stop herself from ogling.
Zoro had stripped his t-shirt off and was using it to wipe the sweat off his body.
Damn if she didn’t admire the sullen green-haired man’s physique. She knew his arms were toned beyond perfection but seriously? His whole body as well?
It was every girls’ dream in a man.
“You need anything else your highness?”
That snapped Nami out of her stupor.
“Nothing so far slave. You did well.”
Zoro glared at her and she glared back.
“If you don’t have anything else, I’m going back down.”
Nami shook her head. “Sure. Anyway, thanks Zoro. I really appreciate it.”
“Thank Robin,” he grunted. “If she didn’t request it, I wouldn’t have come down to help you.”
Geez. Nami thought. Great looks, great body…
But his personality absolutely sucks.
Zoro draped his shirt over his shoulder and was about to leave the rooftop.
“Uh, wait…” Nami called out to him before he can reach the exit.
“What?”
“Err… I’m making some mikan juice from my trees’ fruits. Care for some?” Nami offered. Regardless of him being such a pain to deal with, she’s still grateful to him, of course.
Zoro raised an eyebrow at her.
“It’s the least I can do you know,” Nami said, scratching her cheek. “For your effort and help.”
The green-haired man stared at her before shrugging his shoulders.
Nami reluctantly lifted her head up from her comfortable position to glare at the man who was lying underneath her.
“Zoro… what are YOUdoing?!”
She was only answered with a loud yawn and the orange-haired woman petulantly raked her fingernails against the skin of Zoro’s abdomen. She felt him twitch under her, before his large hand wrapped itself around her wrist.
“Why is your hand inside my shirt?”
Nami let out a ‘tch’. “Why are you sleeping?” She questioned back, shifting from her position so she could rest her chin atop his chest. She might have dug it into his stupid pectorals a lit-tle bit forcefully… and that was deliberate of course. “We’re supposed to be watching this movie Zoro!”
The green-haired man yawned again, shuffling his body upwards slightly. “I am watching.”
“No you are not! You are sleeping!” Nami prodded his nose with an accusing finger. He swatted her hand away. “I heard you snore!”
“Pffft.”
“Mou!” Nami groaned. Zoro was never really the one with a long attention span. Movie nights with him often end up with the large man dead asleep on the couch while she finishes the rest of the film, draped comfortably on top of him, with his arms wrapped around her.
She watched as his unscarred eye drifted close again, while the hand that was initially holding her wrist, trailed up her arm almost in a caressing manner. His other arm that remained hooked around her waist the whole night began to travel down south.
Not that she is complaining. But…
Nami gave a small squeak when she felt his hand squeeze the plush cheek of her ass, before pushing her body upwards and closer to him.
“You do know the movie’s boring?” Zoro whispered lowly against her ear, his breath warm and tickling against her skin; his tone undeniably suggestive, sending shivers down her spine.
She answered him with a roll of her brown eyes. But still that didn’t stop the quirking of the corners of her lips.
Nami laughed as he smirked at her. He is so right. The movie IS boring.
Maybe they can find something else to do instead before they turn in for the night.
Zoro scowled as he stared at the door of his apartment.
“Zorooo,” he heard a faint whisper of his name from the other side of the door, followed by a giggle. “Zorooo! Open the door!”
He didn’t move from his position—leaning against the doorframe of his bedroom with his arms folded above his chest.
“I have your key idiot,” he heard the person on the other side announced, followed by some shuffling sound. There was a dull thud, as something (or at this rate, someone, most likely) hit the door.
That actually prompted him to move, grumbling as he made his way towards it before the person outside decides to bang on it and wake his neighbors up.
His hand was already on the knob and was about to twist it open, when the door suddenly swung towards him almost hitting him on the nose.
“Nami!” He hissed as his gaze landed on the girl in front him. He knows it was her on the other side of course… given the amount of messages and calls he had received from her earlier while he was fast asleep. “What the hell?”
“Hi!”
Zoro narrowed his eye at her. She had a lopsided grin on her face and her stance was kind of… wobbly.
“Did you actually drunk texted and called me?”
She looked at him blankly for a few seconds.
“I did?”
He made an irritated sound before pulling her inside, closing and locking the door.
“What do you need?” He asked curtly as he left her standing in the middle of his small living room. “At fucking three in the morning?”
She blinked at him, looking a bit confused before grinning and answering his question.
“Bed.”
Zoro looked at her incredulously. She woke him up all because she needed a place to sleep?
Her apartment was just a goddamn floor away from him!
He watched as she sluggishly attempted to remove her small pink crossbody bag around her, throwing it clumsily on his couch before slipping off her heels and shrugging off her jacket.
Or at least she tried shrugging it off.
“Damn it Nami,” he growled as he took a step closer to her to help her remove it. “Are you actually plastered?”
“Hmm… no.”
“No my ass,” Zoro muttered under his breath. He watched as Nami shook her head and the expression on her face clearly told him she regretted doing that.
“If you hurl on my floor, you’ll fucking clean it.” He warned, throwing her jacket next to her bag.
“I’m not gonna hurl!”
She actually had the audacity to use an overbearing tone on him even if she was on the brink of keeling over any time soon.
“This is the first time,” Zoro said with a huff as he went to the kitchen to get her a glass of water.
The minute he did, Nami staggered toward his bedroom and unceremoniously plopped down on his bed.
“Oi!” Zoro immediately went after her, the glass in his hand still half full. “Damn it Nami!” He cursed as he set the glass down on his bedside table. “Even drunk, you can still be such pain in the ass.”
“Don’t be mean Zoro!” She whined, lifting a leg to kick him. She only ended up kicking at the air.
“No throwing up on my bed!”
“I’m not gonna hurl!”
Zoro sat on his bed, scratching his head as he watched the orange-haired woman nestled herself deeply into the comfort of his pillow.
He wished he had the strength to just kick her out of his bed and his apartment.
But of course he doesn’t have. Besides… he can’t. And… he won’t.
Not when drunk Nami is a once in a lifetime opportunity he had been blessed (or cursed) to witness.
“Zorooo…” she whined again, nudging his shoulder with her bare feet rather forcibly. “Don’t sleep!”
“I am awake!” He swatted her feet with his hand and it fell back on his bed bonelessly. “Go to sleep Nami.”
“No!” She groaned woozily. “I still have to tell you I like you so don’t you dare fall asleep on me.”
Huh?
Say what now?
Zoro stared at her in disbelief for probably the umpteenth time in the span of twenty minutes from the moment she barged in his apartment.
This woman makes him want to pull and tear all the hairs off his head.
Why does she need to do this while she’s DRUNK?
Her feet nudged him again, prodding lightly.
“Do you like me too?” Nami asked in a rather diffident tone as she looked at him with eyes still glazed from inebriation. Yet there was this earnest look on her face that makes him want to answer truthfully.
Zoro can’t help but shake of his head at absurdity of it all.
“Yeah. I do,” he admitted with a chuckle. Honestly of all the times she can be honest with him, she chose now while she’s drunk as a skunk and would probably forget everything when she wakes up.
“Oh.” Nami said a bit breathlessly, not expecting a positive answer. Then she seemed to brightened up when she realized what his answer was. “Oh!”
She giggled, in a girlish manner that was totally unlike her usual self.
And she suddenly pounced on him, enveloping him in a tight bear hug.
Zoro was taken aback by her unexpected movement that they almost fell on the floor.
Thankfully they didn’t.
Then Nami suddenly scrambled to get off him and his bed.
Zoro had to grab her by the arm to steady her as she staggered slightly after standing up abruptly.
She giggled again, smiling as she drowsily stared at his hand on her arm.
“I need to shower,” she suddenly announced.
“Huh?”
“I need to shower,” Nami repeated before letting out a hiccup. “So we can celebrate by having sex.”
She pulled away from him and she started singing, nonchalantly discarding her remaining clothing on his bedroom floor as she made her way towards his bathroom, leaving Zoro staring at her, with his mouth hanging open and his brain short-circuiting.
Nami groaned as she sleepily trudged towards her kitchen to make herself some coffee.
Why in the world did she agree to a 7:00 am meeting with that artist? What’s his name again? Usa… Uso…
Whatever. She’ll know of it later. When she actually have the energy to care.
She stared blankly at the kitchen window as she placed her favorite mug on her capsule coffee machine and pressed a button, its hum automatically breaking the silence inside her apartment.
The sky outside was still dark. And surprisingly, the early morning cacophonies of sounds that Nami was used to were absent. No chirping birds, no barking dogs, no honking automobiles, no rumbling of the morning train in the distant… not even the shuffling of hurrying feet as people start to make their way to their own respective jobs.
It was like everything outside is on mute.
Honestly? She could get used to this kind of mornings in this new town.
The machine’s humming stopped and she waited a few seconds before grabbing her now-filled mug. The enticing smell of the coffee wafted to her nose as she made her way towards the sliding door leading to her rather small balcony.
She took a deep breath of the fresh dawn air. It was so different from the air of the city.
Leaning on the railing, she brought the mug to her lips, preparing herself for that familiar sensation brought about by the first sip of coffee as it awakened all her senses.
She continued to quietly take small sips of her beverage as she looked on at the winding footpath that traversed the wooded park behind her apartment complex, waiting for any signs of life as the light from the solar lamp posts flickered slightly, as if indicating they would immediately switch themselves off the moment the sun finally shows itself.
A rhythmic, tapping sound suddenly broke the silence. Nami paused and strained her ears to see if she was hearing it right.
The footsteps sounded like it was in a hurry.
And just like that a tall, green-haired man appeared from the right of the footpath—sweaty and panting heavily, his toned arms pumping at his sides in a leisurely way as he slowed to a stop just dead center to where her line of vision is directed.
He raised his head upwards, trying to catch his breath, pulling one wireless ear bud out of his left ear.
His earrings glinted slightly at the movement. He took two deep breaths, drawing Nami’s eyes towards his strapping chest. Which was pretty damn obvious in that tight, black running tank he was wearing.
Then he suddenly tilted his head towards her direction, sensing that someone was watching him.
Nami tore her eyes off his chest and their eyes met. All she could do was blink as she realized that she was looking not only at a finely-toned but also a rather good-looking fellow.
The man held her gaze for a minute. His handsome face expressionless before he let out a huff, shoving the ear bud back to his ear before resuming his run.
I’m trying to get back into the writing zone. God knows how hectic and toxic this back to work on site policy is. It’s energy draining. That, coupled with training relievers for our night shift (for they keep changing them every two days because they can’t find a permanent one for the job), I’m too tired to sit myself in front of my laptop and write away. But now… I actually have 4 days off! And am I gonna spend some of my available time for drabbles? Yes, oh yes!
I got this idea while perusing the tags for my current apple of the eye (Reiner Braun, damn it I still don’t get why I have hots for him now!). Thought I could do this for my beloved OTP, ZoNa and get the writing gears going again.
Enough rambling. I want to do a 24 hours prompt for my favorite green and orange haired pirates. Give me a time (eg: 8:45 PM) and I’ll scribble a random ZoNa drabble for it. To make it more fun, I’ll automatically set it in AU just so I wouldn’t get restricted too much (since you know, they are currently in the midst of battle in both anime & manga and this would actually work better in AU) .
Nami wiped the sweat that trickled down her temple with the back of her hand.
It was a hot day. Not in a sweltering way but still enough to make one perspire from just a few minimal movements.
Hermikan trees have finally arrived, courtesy of her sister. Honestly, Nami was surprised that it was delivered to her and that they made it to where she was in one piece. She was actually planning to drive back to her hometown once she’s already settled in her new place and bring back a tree or two.
But Nojiko always know what to expect from her. It would probably take her a month or two before she’d be able to visit her.
So she sent her the trees.
Bless her. Nami thought. She’s the best.
She touched one of the fruits hanging from the branches.
“You’ll like it here,” she murmured at them.
Franky has allotted a place for her in the rooftop’s garden when she asked him if she can plant something there. She saw that there was a flower bed and a vegetable garden and instantly thought that her mikan trees would be a good addition to it.
The light blue-haired, slightly weird, landlord was enthusiastic about that idea and even offered to help her bring them up.
Nami cracked her knuckles and stretched her arms.
“Now,” she announced. “Time to get you all inside and up to the top.” Her eyes then trailed up the five story apartment building.
Oh boy. This is gonna that a lot of work.
“Nami?”
She turned towards the voice that called her. A beautiful raven-haired woman stepped out of the building. Her kind, blue eyes twinkled at the sight of her trees.
“Robin hi!” She greeted.
“Ara, you’re mikan trees are here finally. They are lovely.” Robin reached out to daintily touch one orange orb. Her eyes crinkled in mirth when she caught Nami’s surprised expression.
“Oh, Franky told me,” she explained. “It’s nice to finally have some company in the rooftop garden.”
“Ah!” Nami nodded. The flower bed belongs to her of course. Franky did mention it. “I hope you don’t mind. They’re not gonna take a lot of space.”
“You don’t need to worry,” Robin smiled at her. “An additional greenery wouldn’t hurt ne?”
At the mention of the word green, Nami was suddenly reminded of a certain grouchy green-haired guy…
“Do you need help bringing them up?”
Nami nodded again. “Yes actually. Is Franky available? He did offer to help me bring them up.”
Robin shook her head. “I’m afraid he’s not free today. He has some errands to do and would probably be back late.”
“Oh,” Nami glanced at her trees. “Ah, but don’t worry. I can wait.”
The older woman studied her for a moment. “Hmm… I can ask Zoro to help you.”
Zoro?
Nami groaned inwardly. She doesn’t think she’s up to owing that guy any favor.
“It’s alright Robin, I can actually…”
But Robin already has her phone pressed against her ear and was already talking to Zoro, instructing him to come down and help her.
She ended the call and beamed a smile at Nami. “There. That way you don’t need to wait for so long to get them up to their new home.”
“This is kinda embarrassing…”
“Don’t worry about it. Zoro’s actually happy to help anyone.”
That made Nami raised an eyebrow.
He is?
He doesn’t look that type.
“Oh I know he doesn’t look that type,”
Nami’s eyes actually widened on Robin’s remark. Did she like… read her mind?
“But believe me. He’s always happy to lend a hand. Even if he complains about it, he actually gets the job done.”
Nami just nodded her head. That was quite an interesting fact.
The building’s door opened and out stepped Zoro.
“Ara, that was fast,” Robin observed as Zoro approached them. “You didn’t get lost?”
“I don’t get lost,” Zoro growled at her. “What do you need?”
“Can you help Nami bring her trees up in the rooftop? Franky wouldn’t be back until later tonight.”
Zoro gave Nami a sideway glance and she just shrugged.
He made a disapproving sound with his tongue. “Fine.”
“Thank you Zoro,” Robin said, patting Nami on the shoulder. “I have to go now. I’ll leave you two to it. I’m looking forward to seeing them in the rooftop the next time I go up.”
Nami grinned at her. “Thanks Robin! You’ve been a really great help!”
“My pleasure!” Robin gave them a slight wave, before heading off. “Zoro,” she nodded her head slightly at him.
“Yeah, yeah.”
Nami watched her walk away before she felt a nudge on her shoulder.
“Oi,” Zoro was frowning at her, looking displeased at the fact that he got roped to assist her so early in the morning. “Hold the door open so I can bring them inside.”
“Are you sure you can lift them?” Nami looked skeptically at him. “It took two men to carry one down the delivery truck.”
Zoro just huffed at her, before grasping one of the trees’ pot and lifting it up…
…with almost no effort at all.
Nami’s jaw almost dropped open. Whoa?!
“Nami. The door!” He barked at her.
Nami instantly moved to open it for him, her mind reeling at the fact that this snarky man is insanely strong.
Three round trips later, all her mikan trees are now in their proper places on the rooftop.
“Hey Zoro,” she called out to him amaze that he was able to bring all her trees up by himself. “Tha—”
Her gratitude died in her throat and she tried hard to stop herself from ogling.
Zoro had stripped his t-shirt off and was using it to wipe the sweat off his body.
Damn if she didn’t admire the sullen green-haired man’s physique. She knew his arms were toned beyond perfection but seriously? His whole body as well?
It was every girls’ dream in a man.
“You need anything else your highness?”
That snapped Nami out of her stupor.
“Nothing so far slave. You did well.”
Zoro glared at her and she glared back.
“If you don’t have anything else, I’m going back down.”
Nami shook her head. “Sure. Anyway, thanks Zoro. I really appreciate it.”
“Thank Robin,” he grunted. “If she didn’t request it, I wouldn’t have come down to help you.”
Geez. Nami thought. Great looks, great body…
But his personality absolutely sucks.
Zoro draped his shirt over his shoulder and was about to leave the rooftop.
“Uh, wait…” Nami called out to him before he can reach the exit.
“What?”
“Err… I’m making some mikan juice from my trees’ fruits. Care for some?” Nami offered. Regardless of him being such a pain to deal with, she’s still grateful to him, of course.
Zoro raised an eyebrow at her.
“It’s the least I can do you know,” Nami said, scratching her cheek. “For your effort and help.”
The green-haired man stared at her before shrugging his shoulders.
Nami reluctantly lifted her head up from her comfortable position to glare at the man who was lying underneath her.
“Zoro… what are YOUdoing?!”
She was only answered with a loud yawn and the orange-haired woman petulantly raked her fingernails against the skin of Zoro’s abdomen. She felt him twitch under her, before his large hand wrapped itself around her wrist.
“Why is your hand inside my shirt?”
Nami let out a ‘tch’. “Why are you sleeping?” She questioned back, shifting from her position so she could rest her chin atop his chest. She might have dug it into his stupid pectorals a lit-tle bit forcefully… and that was deliberate of course. “We’re supposed to be watching this movie Zoro!”
The green-haired man yawned again, shuffling his body upwards slightly. “I am watching.”
“No you are not! You are sleeping!” Nami prodded his nose with an accusing finger. He swatted her hand away. “I heard you snore!”
“Pffft.”
“Mou!” Nami groaned. Zoro was never really the one with a long attention span. Movie nights with him often end up with the large man dead asleep on the couch while she finishes the rest of the film, draped comfortably on top of him, with his arms wrapped around her.
She watched as his unscarred eye drifted close again, while the hand that was initially holding her wrist, trailed up her arm almost in a caressing manner. His other arm that remained hooked around her waist the whole night began to travel down south.
Not that she is complaining. But…
Nami gave a small squeak when she felt his hand squeeze the plush cheek of her ass, before pushing her body upwards and closer to him.
“You do know the movie’s boring?” Zoro whispered lowly against her ear, his breath warm and tickling against her skin; his tone undeniably suggestive, sending shivers down her spine.
She answered him with a roll of her brown eyes. But still that didn’t stop the quirking of the corners of her lips.
Nami laughed as he smirked at her. He is so right. The movie IS boring.
Maybe they can find something else to do instead before they turn in for the night.
Zoro scowled as he stared at the door of his apartment.
“Zorooo,” he heard a faint whisper of his name from the other side of the door, followed by a giggle. “Zorooo! Open the door!”
He didn’t move from his position—leaning against the doorframe of his bedroom with his arms folded above his chest.
“I have your key idiot,” he heard the person on the other side announced, followed by some shuffling sound. There was a dull thud, as something (or at this rate, someone, most likely) hit the door.
That actually prompted him to move, grumbling as he made his way towards it before the person outside decides to bang on it and wake his neighbors up.
His hand was already on the knob and was about to twist it open, when the door suddenly swung towards him almost hitting him on the nose.
“Nami!” He hissed as his gaze landed on the girl in front him. He knows it was her on the other side of course… given the amount of messages and calls he had received from her earlier while he was fast asleep. “What the hell?”
“Hi!”
Zoro narrowed his eye at her. She had a lopsided grin on her face and her stance was kind of… wobbly.
“Did you actually drunk texted and called me?”
She looked at him blankly for a few seconds.
“I did?”
He made an irritated sound before pulling her inside, closing and locking the door.
“What do you need?” He asked curtly as he left her standing in the middle of his small living room. “At fucking three in the morning?”
She blinked at him, looking a bit confused before grinning and answering his question.
“Bed.”
Zoro looked at her incredulously. She woke him up all because she needed a place to sleep?
Her apartment was just a goddamn floor away from him!
He watched as she sluggishly attempted to remove her small pink crossbody bag around her, throwing it clumsily on his couch before slipping off her heels and shrugging off her jacket.
Or at least she tried shrugging it off.
“Damn it Nami,” he growled as he took a step closer to her to help her remove it. “Are you actually plastered?”
“Hmm… no.”
“No my ass,” Zoro muttered under his breath. He watched as Nami shook her head and the expression on her face clearly told him she regretted doing that.
“If you hurl on my floor, you’ll fucking clean it.” He warned, throwing her jacket next to her bag.
“I’m not gonna hurl!”
She actually had the audacity to use an overbearing tone on him even if she was on the brink of keeling over any time soon.
“This is the first time,” Zoro said with a huff as he went to the kitchen to get her a glass of water.
The minute he did, Nami staggered toward his bedroom and unceremoniously plopped down on his bed.
“Oi!” Zoro immediately went after her, the glass in his hand still half full. “Damn it Nami!” He cursed as he set the glass down on his bedside table. “Even drunk, you can still be such pain in the ass.”
“Don’t be mean Zoro!” She whined, lifting a leg to kick him. She only ended up kicking at the air.
“No throwing up on my bed!”
“I’m not gonna hurl!”
Zoro sat on his bed, scratching his head as he watched the orange-haired woman nestled herself deeply into the comfort of his pillow.
He wished he had the strength to just kick her out of his bed and his apartment.
But of course he doesn’t have. Besides… he can’t. And… he won’t.
Not when drunk Nami is a once in a lifetime opportunity he had been blessed (or cursed) to witness.
“Zorooo…” she whined again, nudging his shoulder with her bare feet rather forcibly. “Don’t sleep!”
“I am awake!” He swatted her feet with his hand and it fell back on his bed bonelessly. “Go to sleep Nami.”
“No!” She groaned woozily. “I still have to tell you I like you so don’t you dare fall asleep on me.”
Huh?
Say what now?
Zoro stared at her in disbelief for probably the umpteenth time in the span of twenty minutes from the moment she barged in his apartment.
This woman makes him want to pull and tear all the hairs off his head.
Why does she need to do this while she’s DRUNK?
Her feet nudged him again, prodding lightly.
“Do you like me too?” Nami asked in a rather diffident tone as she looked at him with eyes still glazed from inebriation. Yet there was this earnest look on her face that makes him want to answer truthfully.
Zoro can’t help but shake of his head at absurdity of it all.
“Yeah. I do,” he admitted with a chuckle. Honestly of all the times she can be honest with him, she chose now while she’s drunk as a skunk and would probably forget everything when she wakes up.
“Oh.” Nami said a bit breathlessly, not expecting a positive answer. Then she seemed to brightened up when she realized what his answer was. “Oh!”
She giggled, in a girlish manner that was totally unlike her usual self.
And she suddenly pounced on him, enveloping him in a tight bear hug.
Zoro was taken aback by her unexpected movement that they almost fell on the floor.
Thankfully they didn’t.
Then Nami suddenly scrambled to get off him and his bed.
Zoro had to grab her by the arm to steady her as she staggered slightly after standing up abruptly.
She giggled again, smiling as she drowsily stared at his hand on her arm.
“I need to shower,” she suddenly announced.
“Huh?”
“I need to shower,” Nami repeated before letting out a hiccup. “So we can celebrate by having sex.”
She pulled away from him and she started singing, nonchalantly discarding her remaining clothing on his bedroom floor as she made her way towards his bathroom, leaving Zoro staring at her, with his mouth hanging open and his brain short-circuiting.
Nami groaned as she sleepily trudged towards her kitchen to make herself some coffee.
Why in the world did she agree to a 7:00 am meeting with that artist? What’s his name again? Usa… Uso…
Whatever. She’ll know of it later. When she actually have the energy to care.
She stared blankly at the kitchen window as she placed her favorite mug on her capsule coffee machine and pressed a button, its hum automatically breaking the silence inside her apartment.
The sky outside was still dark. And surprisingly, the early morning cacophonies of sounds that Nami was used to were absent. No chirping birds, no barking dogs, no honking automobiles, no rumbling of the morning train in the distant… not even the shuffling of hurrying feet as people start to make their way to their own respective jobs.
It was like everything outside is on mute.
Honestly? She could get used to this kind of mornings in this new town.
The machine’s humming stopped and she waited a few seconds before grabbing her now-filled mug. The enticing smell of the coffee wafted to her nose as she made her way towards the sliding door leading to her rather small balcony.
She took a deep breath of the fresh dawn air. It was so different from the air of the city.
Leaning on the railing, she brought the mug to her lips, preparing herself for that familiar sensation brought about by the first sip of coffee as it awakened all her senses.
She continued to quietly take small sips of her beverage as she looked on at the winding footpath that traversed the wooded park behind her apartment complex, waiting for any signs of life as the light from the solar lamp posts flickered slightly, as if indicating they would immediately switch themselves off the moment the sun finally shows itself.
A rhythmic, tapping sound suddenly broke the silence. Nami paused and strained her ears to see if she was hearing it right.
The footsteps sounded like it was in a hurry.
And just like that a tall, green-haired man appeared from the right of the footpath—sweaty and panting heavily, his toned arms pumping at his sides in a leisurely way as he slowed to a stop just dead center to where her line of vision is directed.
He raised his head upwards, trying to catch his breath, pulling one wireless ear bud out of his left ear.
His earrings glinted slightly at the movement. He took two deep breaths, drawing Nami’s eyes towards his strapping chest. Which was pretty damn obvious in that tight, black running tank he was wearing.
Then he suddenly tilted his head towards her direction, sensing that someone was watching him.
Nami tore her eyes off his chest and their eyes met. All she could do was blink as she realized that she was looking not only at a finely-toned but also a rather good-looking fellow.
The man held her gaze for a minute. His handsome face expressionless before he let out a huff, shoving the ear bud back to his ear before resuming his run.
I’m trying to get back into the writing zone. God knows how hectic and toxic this back to work on site policy is. It’s energy draining. That, coupled with training relievers for our night shift (for they keep changing them every two days because they can’t find a permanent one for the job), I’m too tired to sit myself in front of my laptop and write away. But now… I actually have 4 days off! And am I gonna spend some of my available time for drabbles? Yes, oh yes!
I got this idea while perusing the tags for my current apple of the eye (Reiner Braun, damn it I still don’t get why I have hots for him now!). Thought I could do this for my beloved OTP, ZoNa and get the writing gears going again.
Enough rambling. I want to do a 24 hours prompt for my favorite green and orange haired pirates. Give me a time (eg: 8:45 PM) and I’ll scribble a random ZoNa drabble for it. To make it more fun, I’ll automatically set it in AU just so I wouldn’t get restricted too much (since you know, they are currently in the midst of battle in both anime & manga and this would actually work better in AU) .
Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.
Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.
Warning: OOC possible. One shot.
Rating: T
Note:How ZoNa-ish is the song Line Without a Hook by Ricky Montgomery? There are some parts that just fit them perfectly, especially the first lines. Anyway, play the song while reading this. I did when I was writing (and placed it on repeat) the latter parts of this story because it reminds me of them so much.
Summary:“It’s not so bad to get mad because I was hurt.”
Nami stepped out of the bar, all smiles and feeling victorious. She then took a deep breath of the not-so-fresh midnight air.
Another night, another bar, another win.
She turned and smiled at her companion, who followed her out, all scowls and grumbling under his breath.
Nami rolled her eyes. Nothing new with that.
“Quit grumbling Zoro,” she placed both of her hands on her hips to chastise him. “Thirty percent of our winnings tonight are yours.”
The man huffed, muttering something about how stingy she was. And really? Just thirty percent?
Nami frowned. “Thirty percent plus I buy you barrels of your favorite drink for your stock!”
“Tch!” Zoro clicked his tongue. “This is a waste of time.”
It was Nami’s turn to scowl. “Gee, I wonder why you still keep on accompanying me even if that’s what you think.”
“Because you keep forcing me!”
The map-maker folded her arms across her chest and stared him down. Even if he was taller than her, she was still able to pull it off.
“I did not!” She retorted. “You went here with me on your own! I didn’t even need to resort to anything to make you! Besides weren’t you having fun earlier when you were gambling against those pirates?”
Well… that was actually true. Zoro thought begrudgingly. He was having fun earlier and it’s because he was winning! But hell if he will admit it to her.
“I’m getting tired of being roped into your money-making schemes every damn time.” He decided to grouse in a petulant manner.
“So what? You don’t wanna do this with me anymore?”
He just shrugged in response.
Nami tapped her cheek as if she was pondering. “Oh well, I can probably ask Sanji-kunnext time. And here I thought I’d have better chances of being safe with you because you’re stronger, more feral, absolutely intimidating and don’t get distracted too easily.”
“Don’t sweet talk me.”
The navigator’s eyes widened as she looked at him in disbelief. That was sweet talk to him? Good grief! What’s wrong with this man?
She just shook her head. Flipping her hair over her shoulder she gave him an unamused look.
“Fine. If you want out then out you go,” she agreed almost easily that it had Zoro raising an eyebrow at her. “Maybe it is actually much better to ask Sanji-kun. You’re not the only strong person in our crew capable of protecting me, you know.” She gave a casual, dismissive wave of her hand; trying to act nonchalant but inwardly grinning when her eye caught the way his jaw clenched.
Nami decided to push it some more.
“Too bad. Not only do I think you are stronger… but you are also luckier in gambling than him,” she added before walking away from him, humming.
Her inward grin was now displayed on her lips as she sashayed along the almost deserted street. Oh she saw how his face darkened and how a scowl was starting to appear on his mouth at what she said.
It was so easy to rile him up.
Far behind her Zoro was snarling, “Oi! Stop comparing me to that shit—”
He wasn’t able to finish what he was saying. Because Nami’s head suddenly whipped towards the left… a result of an unexpected attack coming from a drunk pirate that had jumped her suddenly.
She fell down the ground with a thud.
“You bitch!” The angry pirate was shouting while brandishing his weapon. “Give me back my mo-OOFFH!”
The pirate’s eyes widened in surprise when his back hit the wall near him suddenly, knocking his breath out of him. His weapon fell down the ground with a loud ‘clang’.
He was slow to realize that a hand was wrapped around his throat, gripping it tightly and lifting him right off the ground.
The pirate choked as he tried to take in some air. And he gawked in shock at the green-haired man whose features were so dark and menacing that it made him think of a demon who emerged from the depths of hell.
Sobriety instantly returned to him.
His dangling legs kicked at the air as he tried to claw at the hand that was holding him.
The man in front of him didn’t flinch, nor did he utter any word but he can feel the hand around his neck slowly tightening… determined to crush his throat.
There’s no doubt that this one-eyed man will killhim.
————————-
Nami clutched her head woozily. She can feel a warm liquid trickling down the side of her face. She touched it with her hand to check if it was blood and it is.
She was wounded. But despite the bleeding, she can tell that it wasn’t too deep. She had seen the man jumped at her earlier and was able to avert her head at the last minute. The attack had only grazed her—thankfully—yet it had broken her skin, hence the blood. She fell down the ground more because she lost her balance while trying to avoid the attack than because of it.
Would you look at that? Her instincts are sharper and definitely on another level now. A few years ago she wouldn’t be able to evade such attacks easily and would most likely end up with a squashed skull.
Zoro’s ever sharp reflexes must be rubbing off on her.
She pushed herself to a sitting position and was about to reprimand the stupid swordsman for not assisting her while she’s flat on the ground when she caught sight of Zoro and her attacker.
The former pirate hunter had the man by the neck, holding him up against the wall and dangling him like a rag doll.
Nami’s blood ran cold. She had seen this terrifying aura on him before but only in battles when he is faced up against an enemy that he absolutely abhors.
Even so he never loses his cool like this. And he always made sure his enemies get a taste of his sharp blades… not with his bare hands.
She watched as Zoro tightened his grip on the man. He was on the process of choking the life out of her aggressor…
Nami ignored the way her body swayed a little when she stood up hastily and dashed towards Zoro, grabbing his arm.
“Hey, hey. I’m ok!” She shouted at the ever-so-quiet Zoro, tugging at the sleeve of his green coat. “I’m alright Zoro! Let him go!”
There was a gurgling sound coming from the man and Nami took it as sign that the stupid pirate was still alive… fortunately.
“Just leave him and let’s go! Zoro!”
He barely flicked a glance at her and he continued staring darkly at the man before him. Nami tugged at his forearm this time and called his name again. She felt how rigid it was under her palm and she can see the veins bulging in it and realized how firmly he was holding the pirate’s neck.
She breathed a sigh of relief when she felt his arm relaxed.
Without another word, Zoro threw the man a good few feet away from them like he was disposing a piece of trash.
Well he is… attacking her like that. Coward.
A whimper came from the man before he eventually passed out. From fear most definitely.
Nami barely spared him a glance as she looked up at Zoro who was now eyeing her intensely.
Nami did not make one sound. Despite Zoro’s silence and the way he was staring at her, he looked like he had finally pacified.
He lifted his hand and his thumb brushed the side of the wound on her forehead.
“Let’s get you to Chopper.” He finally muttered.
————————-
They were quiet while they made their way back to the port where the Thousand Sunny was docked.
Zoro was walking before her—now vigilant—in case that pirate’s crewmates are also planning to attack them as well. His shoulders were stiff. Despite his now calm demeanor, she somehow knew something was brewing inside him.
He never loses his composure like that. Not in all the time Nami had sailed with him. It was the first. And it was different from the times he loses his temper on her or their crewmates—that was comical.
What she witnessed earlier… was what most of the people outside the crew calls his ‘killing-intent’.
And she somehow knows that she has something to do with it. Seeing her hurt while she was with him was clearly what got to him. She knows how seriously he takes on the role as the protector of his nakama.
Not to mention it’ll raise a lot of questions from the crew and oh boy, it would drive Sanji-kun into a murderous rage aimed totally at the green-haired man.
Thinking of the ensuing chaos when they get back on the ship was making her wound throb. Nami winced when she touched it to check if it was bleeding again.
“Don’t touch it,” Zoro suddenly muttered.
Nami frowned. How did he even know that? She didn’t bother replying to him but did as he said.
She let her eyes settled on his back again, silently observing him. She noted how rigid his posture was, how his hands were clutched tightly into fists. It was a clear indication that he was bothered by what happened previously.
“Zoro,” she called out to him.
He didn’t answer. And Nami fought the eye roll that she wanted to do.
DearKami he is in a mood.
Was he actually mad because he saved her?
Or was he mad because of how he almost lost control when he saw her got hurt?
She’d bet every beliin her treasure chest that it was the latter.
Because she knows—she had known—the real reason why he still keeps on accompanying her in every town bars, in every island they docked, to gamble and drink despite all his complaints.
What happened tonight just reinforced what she was already aware of.
And it seems like Zoro just had his own revelation earlier. And like the stubborn man she had always known him to be… he will try to fight it off, deny it and be absolutely sullen about it.
Just like what he’s doing now.
She had enough of his surly manner and temperamental mood. It’s not so bad to feel something for someone right?
“Zoro!” She raised her tone a bit higher to get his attention.
This time he briefly glanced behind her as he hissed an irritable ‘what?’.
She instantly crossed the space between them in three strides. Nami grabbed his hand, and forcibly unclenched it.
Then she held it in hers.
“You know… it’s not so bad to get mad because I was hurt.”
Nami watched his unscarred eye widened.
And she smiled. Sweet initially, before it turned into a mischievous one when she saw how his face started to color despite the walkway leading to the port being dimly lit by the lamp posts situated on the side of the pavement.
They just stared at each other. Nami’s mischievous grin widening by the second as Zoro’s initially surprised expression started turning into a pained one.
He groaned. What an infuriating way for her to find out that he absolutely, definitely have feelings for her.
“I won’t have you lording this over my head woman.” He growled as he tried to pull his hand away from hers.
But Nami held on tightly, even as he tried so hard to shake off her grasp.
“Forget about it Zoro,” Nami said with finality in her tone. “There is no way I’m letting go now.”
He felt his face heat up some more; the warmth slowly spreading on his face, his neck, even reaching his ears.
Nami’s statement has so much to read between the lines.
Earlier when he saw her get attacked and fall to the ground, he was surprised at how violent his reaction had been.
And it shook him. Shook him down to his very core because he realized it was all because Nami’s was hurt. It was because of Nami.
When she held on to him and asked him to stop, when he felt the warmth of her hand against him and saw her… everything just slowly calmed down.
The abrupt shift of emotions had him reeling. And it dawned into him—the extent of what he really feels for her. And what he could and would do for it.
Zoro looked at her. Really looked at her
And her face clearly tells him that she has it all figured out.
“Fine,” he grunted as he resumed walking with his hand still in hers. She followed suit with a small giggle.
He didn’t bother retorting or even arguing with her anymore to save his face nor to save his pride.
He had nothing to say.
Not one damn thing… when the warmth of her hand on his easily put everything inside him at ease.
Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.
Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.
Warning: OOC possible. One shot.
Rating: T (Some swearing as usual)
Note:Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! And of course, I have something for ZoNa today! So here it is. Light and fluffy!
Summary:AllNami wants is to win the 100 million beli prize in an arm wrestling. So why did Zoro end up mad at her?
“One hundred million belis.”
“What?”
“That’s what’s on the betting pool,” Nami grinned mischievously as she slid the flyer across the table so the man in front of her can see what she’s talking about.
It had been scattered all over town—this flyer—a challenge for anyone who are confident enough to gamble their strength.
And with money involved… Nami will also be involved of course.
She flipped her orange locks over her shoulder. “All you need to do is win against that strong armed monster who’s knocking down every macho man here in town in arm wrestling.” She tapped one perfectly-manicured nail (thanks to Sanji-kun) on the paper before her.
Zoro slammed down his tankard on the table as he cocked an eyebrow at her. “And why would I do that?”
“Because we need the money.” Nami did not miss a beat. “And here an opportunity is presenting itself that’s too good to pass.”
Zoro snorted. “You mean you need the money.”
Nami grinned wider. “I said weZoro.”
“That definitely doesn’t mean us.” The green-haired man signaled at the bar waitress for another drink.
The navigator chortled. Oh he knows her so well. “Glad to know you still haven’t forgotten that my money is my money. But my agreements are your agreements.” She had the gall to wink as she pointed her cheeky finger at him.
And Zoro frowned as remembered that awful night in Whiskey Peak when this sea witch callously blackmailed him into doing something for her.
“Why don’t you ask your stupid shit cook to do this?” Zoro grumbled. “I’m pretty sure he’d do anything for you.”
“But Sanji-kun’s hands are only for cooking.”
“Bull shit!” Zoro cursed. Somehow he’s not happy with the thought that she’s like, favoring that perverted swirly brows over him.
“Come on Zoro,” Nami cajoled. “Do it! We both know this is just child’s play to you.”
“I don’t arm wrestle.”
“Liar! We just had an arm wrestling competition a few days ago at Luffy’s insistence!”
“It’s just a waste of time.”
“No it’s not!” Nami slammed her hands down the table. “I will not sail away from this island until I get those belis! Do not make me sic Luffy and Chopper on you!”
Zoro folded his arms over his chest and stared her down. “Why not ask Luffy then?”
Nami stared back, defiant as ever. “I want a low key win Zoro! Not an all-out battle! Besides I don’t want get chased out of town!”
“Tch!”
“Come on we’ll split it eighty-twenty.”
Zoro looked at her incredulously.
“Seventy-thirty? No wait! Seventy-five-twenty-five!” Nami bargained, trying to find a way to get him to agree.
But the swordsman only continued to gaze at her intensely, looking absolutely not amused.
“And I buy you booze afterwards?” The map-maker added in a sweet tone.
Silence.
“All I want?”
Nami’s face immediately crumpled into a frown. All he wants? Zoro’s appetite for alcohol is enormous! She might as well spend all their winnings on his liquor.
But wait! So is his appetite for battles right?
Maybe she can instigate a fight with some of the town’s ruffians to distract him and save her future winnings from being depleted.
She can think of the particulars later. For now she needs him to agree to do it.
Nami stared at the bulging muscles of his arms and unconsciously licked her lips.
Zoro is strong—monstrously strong. It would be a waste not to use that wisely.
She finally found a good use for those stupid extremities of his that he toned religiously. One where she’ll definitely benefit!
Plus she’s pretty sure it wouldn’t even take him ten seconds to beat that guy… and break his arm in the process.
“Zoro come on!” She whined. “I promise I’ll be good to you for the next weeks! Months!”
Zoro scoffed. Fat chance of that happening.
“Buy me booze on the next islands we dock,” he offered his own terms.
“Huh?”
“And steal me some from twirly brows secret stash whenever I want it.”
Nami grimaced at his request. What a demanding man!
And Zoro grinned viciously at her, waiting for her to throw the towel down between them and forget this whole stupid idea of hers.
Like that would happen. He was underestimating her love for money.
“Easy peasy,” she smirked confidently and crossed her arms over her chest.
Zoro’s brows drew together at her answer. Nami really means serious business if she’s agreeing to his demands this easily.
“And also you are not to disturb me for the next months with your inane orders especially when I’m sleeping.”
Nami’s smirk disappeared instantly. “You sure have a lot of requests.”
The swordsman shrugged. “Then go find Luffy or that pervert cook to do your bidding.”
Nami lost her temper and kicked him under the table.
“Oi!”
“Fine!” She agreed through gritted teeth. She doesn’t have time to go around looking for their other crewmates. She wants her money now! Right now!
“It’s a deal Zoro,” she stated in a business-like tone. Her hand suddenly shot up and snatched the tankard that was supposedly Zoro’s new drink from the surprised waitress that was about to pass her by.
She drank it all in one gulp, eyes never leaving Zoro’s—much to his irritation and admiration.
Nami slammed it down the table once she emptied every single drop of the drink inside it.
“You win me this money Zoro, and I’ll say yes to everything you want.”
Everything he wants?
Zoro clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. Not a bad deal really.
Even if it’s made with a devil.
“Fine. Let’s go!”
————————
They stood in front of the noisy crowd circling the makeshift stage with a wooden table and two chairs at the middle. A really huge man was sitting on one of the chairs, with arms that looked like it was more of muscles than actual arms—thick as logs and hard-looking.
And looks really heavy… Nami thought. Like it’s capable of crushing one’s head just by accidentally landing on it.
She shuddered slightly and stole a glance at the green-haired man beside him, who was looking absolutely…
…bored.
Nami frowned. Zoro didn’t even look like the strong man piqued his interest at all.
Could it mean…?
She grinned inwardly. It’s just a piece of cake for him.
Zoro took a step forward to head towards the man, thinking that the sooner he finishes it, the better.
Nami suddenly placed a hand on his chest to stop him.
“We go last.”
“Huh?” Zoro blinked stupidly at her, and then he looked towards where his supposed opponent, who is currently welcoming his next challenger, are. “Why?”
“Because by then, everyone’s money will be in that betting pot!” Nami hissed at him. “And that’s what I want!”
Zoro scratched his head, yawning. “Fine. Just wake me up when it’s my turn.”
“Oh no you don’t,” Nami reached out to pinch his arm before he can walk away from her. “Stay where you are!”
“Hey ouch! Don’t pinch me!”
“And leave your swords with me.”
“HAH?!”
“You don’t need them Zoro!” Nami glowered at him. “You’ll just arm wrestle him, not cut him to shreds.”
Zoro was looking at her like he wants to use them to cut her into tiny, little bits instead.
Like he could actually do that to her.
“Come on,” Nami tugged at the front of his coat. “We go in anonymous alright?”
Thekatana wielder scoffed. “How is that possible? We are wanted pirates. Our faces are in wanted posters on display for the world to see!”
“That is why we’re gonna try to tone it down a bit,” Nami was already tugging at the sash around his waist. “Like ‘we look like them but they are not them’ kind of appearance. So give me your swords!”
“No!”
Nami sighed. His katanas are like his babies. His pride and joy. “I swear I’ll protect them with my life.” She promised just to appease him a bit, placing a hand over her heart to convey her sincerity.
Zoro looked reluctant still, but finally handed his weapons to her.
“Keep them close,” he ordered her grudgingly. “That means you stay close to me as possible. In case I need them.”
Nami nodded. “Yes master,” she cheekily answered.
“Damn you!”
“Take off your robe too Zoro.”
“Huh? WHAT?!”
Nami looked at him like he was the biggest idiot that ever walked the New World lands. “I need to wrap them up with something. I’ll just use your clothes.”
“Why do you need to wrap them up?!” Zoro almost shouted at her. “How am I gonna—”
Nami cut him off by pinching his nose.
“I already said anonymous right? They’d know immediately that you’re pirate hunter Zoro who uses three swords!” She hissed at him, looking left and right in case someone hears them.
“I really hate you.”
“I knoooow,” Nami cooed as he took off his green garb and threw it at her. “You’ll drag me to hell and I look forward to it, king of hell.” She emphasized the last words teasingly and watched as Zoro turned red, from anger or embarrassment because she knew that king of hell shit he spewed in Onigashima, she’s not sure.
She expertly wrapped the swords using his clothing and tied his red sash around it so it looks like she was just carrying an innocent package.
“There, all done!” She patted them almost lovingly. “Ok. Put your bandanna on and go get him now!” She pointed towards the strong man, who just defeated another chap again. A loud cheer erupted from the viewers and now everyone’s fighting to put their money on the betting pot.
Zoro’s glare was icy as he stared at orange-haired woman in front of him.
“You don’t order me around!”
Nami rolled her eyes at him. “Yes I do!” The witch declared haughtily and it irked him. “Well unless you were able to deduce that that guy is waaaay stronger than you and you don’t want to—”
“Temee…” Zoro growled. “I dare you to say that again!”
Nami opened her mouth again to indulge him.
“Shut up!” He abruptly and rudely cut her off knowing that she’ll do it! This crazy, wicked sea witch will do it! He flicked his gaze toward the guy who was now howling and flexing his arms amidst the hollering of the spectators.
“Hello.”
They both turned towards the direction of the voice. A sultry-looking woman had approached them.
“I see you are also going to join the betting game.” Her eyes traveled back and forth the two pirates.
Nami nodded slightly.
The woman nonchalantly brought out a cigarette and lit it up. She took a drag from it and very slowly—as if she had all the time in the world—blew the smoke out as she continued to eye them.
“What a feast for the eyes,” she murmured sensuously, scrutinizing Zoro from head to toe. She then turned to Nami. “But it seems like your boyfriend’s kinda scared,” the grin that appeared on her lips was mocking. “As he should be. My Dutrov is the strongest after all.”
Both Zoro and Nami raised an eyebrow at that and looked at each other. Apparently this woman hasn’t explored the entirety of the New World to say that.
The navigator then tilted her head towards Zoro.
“See honey,” she said in the most innocent voice she can muster. “She thinks you are a wimp.”
Zoro’s features darkened at that and he scowled at her.
Nami only smiled in reply. Oh she knows that that is all the push Zoro needs.
“Let’s go,” he grunted looking ready to kill and he glared at the woman, who seemed to realize she made an error of riling the green-haired man up.
Nami’s smile widened some more. A poke on Zoro’s ego is really effective.
“Sure…” she patted his chest condescendingly as he glared down at her. “Wipe the floor… or the ground with him babe.”
She stood on tiptoes and pecked him on the lips.
When she drew back from him… Zoro face was so red…
…and he was spluttering.
“Wha… why… wha… the hell Nami!” He finally roared at her face before he stormed off to arm wrestle Dutrov, the strongest man, leaving her alone and blinking at his outburst.
————————
A few minutes later, a happy Nami was counting the last of the price belis from the pot and dropping them inside another bag as she cattily grinned at the sultry woman who approached her and Zoro earlier.
“Thanks for this!” Nami said waving cheerfully, making the woman scowl at her before she stormed off to take care of her totally beaten boyfriend… whose arm actually got broken when Zoro slammed it—rather hard, she might add—down the table earlier.
Strongest man or not… he’s nothing compared to their green-haired, grouchy swordsman—who was standing beside her, glowering at her.
“Great job Zoro! I know I can really count on you!” She praised him, her smile was so bright and her eyes were twinkling at thought of the winning money prize now carefully in her hands.
He grunted something under his breath and without even waiting for her, he started walking away.
“Hey! Wait for me you idiot. You’ll get lost!” Nami called out, as she hurriedly followed the tall man.
“I don’t get lost!” He snarled back at her.
Nami narrowed her eyes at him as he continued walking. “Why are you mad Zoro? Aren’t you happy we won? Some of this are yours,” she jiggled the money bag. “Plus free drinks!”
He grumbled though he didn’t bother to stop or even look at her.
“Zorooo!”
He swiveled at her irritably, almost gritting his teeth.
“WHAT?!”
“Why are you mad?”
“Just shut up.”
Nami frowned and she stopped walking. Why is he mad at her? Was it because she forced him to arm wrestle so they could get some money?
But she thought they already struck a deal!
She wonderingly watched Zoro as he trudged forward. And it suddenly it dawned onto Nami.
“Wait Zoro!” She hastily ran towards him.
Still the ever-stoic sword master ignored her.
When Nami finally caught up to him, she suddenly blurted out:
“Was that your first kiss?”
She could swear Zoro almost tripped at her question.
He spun around and glared at her.
Nami fought the urge to roll her eyes. All these time, sailing together and Zoro still hasn’t learned that his glare doesn’t work with her.
“Whoa!” She gasped when he didn’t answer. “You mean… I’m your first kiss?”
His face turned to a deeper shade of red and he just continued glaring at her.
“I am?” Nami asked again as her eyes twinkled at the revelation and she beamed a smile at him. “Zoro… I’m very flattered.” A hand flew to her chest, gasping exaggeratedly as his frown turned sour.
“Shut it woman!” He finally snarled at her.
She winked at him. Truth be told, she IS flattered.
“Aaww… I’m your first kiss!” Nami sing-songed as her hands, cradled both of her cheeks.
She’s totally amused that she is his first
Actually, scratch that. She loved that she is the first!
Zoro was still giving her an I’m-going-to-kill-you look.
“Wipe that scowl off your face Zoro! It’s not that bad!”
He was still red and muttering curses under his breath as she walked barely past him.
And Nami went in for the kill.
She abruptly stopped, stood on tiptoes and kissed him again.
A bit longer this time.
Grinning she stepped back immediately as Zoro started spluttering again, turning redder than she actually thought possible.
And before he can chastised her, she was already moving forward, heading back to their ship.
“Come on Zoro we don’t have all day!”
“Stop stealing kisses you damn woman!” He was barking from behind her.
Nami just laughed, gloating at the fact that she now knows a way to make the formidable man a sputtering putty in her hands.
Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.
Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.
Warning: OOC possible. One shot.
Rating: T
Note:AU.Because I want to see our favorite princess in the mix. And also because Valentine’s is near. Taken by Surprise is by Varsity. Though it is not really relevant to the story, I just liked the line I included.
Summary:Vivi is in town for her yearly visit to her ever-boisterous friends, armed with her recent prospective match for Nami.
“So I know some guy…”
“Hold up,” Nami raised a hand in a gesture of ‘stop’. She tilted her head slightly and gazed disapprovingly at the pretty, light blue-haired woman in front of her. "I’m gonna have to stop you right there.“
Vivi blinked, even though she’s not really that surprised that Nami cut her off. “I wasn’t even finished.”
“I already know where this is going," Nami continued with a huff. She folded her arms over her chest and leaned back on the leather booth seat. “I know some guy, you should meet him…” she said in a rather patronizing tone.
Vivi chewed at her lower lip, looking guilty. Well Nami is correct. That is where their conversation is heading alright.
“Fine.” She then edged a bit closer to the table so she can look Nami in the eye.
“Right down to business huh?“
Of course!” Vivi beamed at her. "You did say you know where this is going right?”
Nami made an exaggerated and exasperated noise; trying to convey that she is not amused with all this.
“Oh come on,” Vivi cajoled when she saw her expression. She rummaged her designer bag for her phone.
Nami frowned when Vivi just left her bag carelessly wide open as she busied herself with her phone.
How many times does she need to remind her friend that yes… there are thieves everywhere—even in their favorite quaint café? Especially if you leave your bag like that, right where there is foot traffic.
It’s like inviting every possible ruffian passing by that they are free to grab whatever they want from inside.
“Here take a look,” Vivi’s voice distracted Nami from her thoughts. She handed her her phone excitedly. “You’ll like him!” She declared looking rather proud of herself.
Nami mouthed a ‘really?’ as she raised both of her eyebrows at her friend.
“I think you two will hit it off perfectly!”
The orange-haired woman stared at the phone in her hand. With a sigh, she proceeded to check whoever poor soul it was that Vivi wants to set her up her with now.
Nami scrutinized the photograph on the phone.
The guy is handsome. Not really in a jaw-dropping kind of way; but’s he’s got nice hair, nice features and a really great smile. He gives off a really strong boy-next-door aura.
"Hmmmmmm…”
“What?” Vivi straightened up looking ever alert at her pondering hum. “That was a long ‘hmmm’. Is he not up to your standards?”
“You really don’t get tired of this, do you?” Nami deadpanned instead of answering the question.
Vivi grinned and shook her head.
“I just think it’d be nice if you go on a date again,” she said with a shrug of her shoulders. “When was the last time you did? Please don’t tell me it was with the guy I set you up with when I last visited you guys.”
“Not really keeping tabs… but yeah.”
“That’s almost a year ago!”
“Since when did you become the dating police?” Nami set Vivi’s phone down the table and cocked an eyebrow at her.
“I’m not!”
Nami childishly stuck her tongue out at her. “Still I’m amazed. Every damn time you come visit us, you never fail to have someone in your match-up bank.” She grabbed her iced coffee and took a sip. “Did you make it your life’s mission to find someone for me?”
Vivi looked slightly embarrassed. “Not really.”
“Like I’d believe that. You’ve been really consistent.”
Vivi twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. “I just thought it’d be nice for you to meet someone new. That is all.”
And Nami laughed. Ever since Vivi started dating that journalist childhood friend of hers, she’d been in Nami’s single-blessedness case.
“Believe me Vivi. I don’t really have time for that now. You do know I don’t like long distance relationships? It just takes a lot of work.”
“But…”
“ And you do realize that most guys you set me up with lives a plane away?”
That made Vivi giggle. “Actually, I did realize that. But you know with all the messaging apps now, it has been so much easier.”
Nami made a face. Oh she knows Vivi will not give this one up. She can be as stubborn as her when she wants to.
“Vivs, you know how busy I am with my master’s degree right?” Nami pulled her ace out. “That plus the daycare and babysitting the boys…”
“You’re still babysitting them?” Vivi asked, amazed. “Don’t they have girlfriends now?”
“Seriously Vivi?”
“I thought Usopp-san has a girlfriend?”
Nami nodded. “He has. And she’s miles away from him still studying medicine.”
“See!” Vivi exclaimed suddenly that had Nami reeling back. “Long distance relationship works!”
Nami snorted. “You’re talking about the king of LDRs and one true love. Of course it’ll work!”
Vivi bounced excitedly at her seat, still pleased that her point was proven. “It’ll work if you want it to work.”
“Exactly!” Nami agreed. “But only if you want to. And I don’t want to.”
Vivi frowned slightly at her stubbornness. “You’re gonna make this hard don’t you?”
“Yep!”
“Just try and meet him once? Please?” Vivi pleaded. “He’s flying here in two weeks’ time for a seminar. You’ll be able to see each other personally!”
“Why are you being so persistent about this?” Nami narrowed her eyes at her. “Wait, do you want me to act as his tour guide? You really suck Vivi.”
“I didn’t mean it like that!” Vivi protested, her face turning red. “Of course you’ll take him to places, but not like a tour guide!”
Nami snickered as Vivi tried to clarify what she meant. Oh, it was really easy and fun to mess with her.
“Vivs. You know I’m really busy. I don’t think I can give him a tour of the best places here in town.”
“That is such a lousy excuse.”
Nami threw her head back and laughed. “You do know the boys will tear him apart when they meet him?”
Vivi chewed at her lower lip again. Okay… that really didn’t occur to her. The guys can be really ruthless when it comes to their favorite orange-haired woman’s prospective dates and suitors.
“Snaji-kun will be really, really unhappy with this.” Nami mock-pouted. “I can already hear him swearing and threatening that guy.”
Vivi noted that there was a triumphant glint in her warm brown orbs. But she will not let her get away that easily.
“You know I can talk to Luffy-san and the others to play nice,” she proposed.
Nami’s expression faltered; the glint in her eyes gone in an instant. Vivi can’t help but grin inwardly. Nami maybe the guys’ favorite, but they can still never say no to Nefeltari Vivi when she requests something from them.
“Really?” Nami looked amused. “You’ll talk to Sanji-kun about not breaking any ribs? Or Luffy or Zoro not inviting that guy to a fucking fistfight? Good luck with that.”
Vivi pursed her lips. “Anything can be handled diplomatically you know.”
“Like diplomacy’s gonna work on them.” Nami sniggered. “They are the type to hit first and never asked any questions.”
Nami is right. Those guys can be really hot-headed. And once they are in the zone, there’s no stopping them.
Sometimes Vivi wonders if they are really the reason why Nami’s previous boyfriends didn’t really last for more than a year. They can really be intimidating when they want to.
“You know,” Vivi began. “They adore looking out after you, But seriously, don’t they have their own relationships to attend to?”
“Those guys?!” Nami asked incredulously. “Well, except Usopp. Are you seriously our friend? You know them. You know how they are!”
Vivi squared her shoulders. “Well… we are older. So there are probably some changes here and there, I mean look at Usopp-san!”
Nami was still looking at her like she has grown two heads.
“Seriously they are not dating anyone?”
“What in the world even gave you that idea?”
Vivi scratched her cheeks, looking contemplative. There was a hint of red on them. “I mean, they’re not bad looking. I’m pretty sure a lot of ladies would be interested.”
Nami was gaze was actually starting to bore holes through her.
“Uhm… I do know Boa Hancock and Kozuki Hiyori you know.”
She watched as Nami pressed her lips together at the mention of the names. “Hancock is Luffy’s number one admirer, everyone knows that. But our idiot wouldn’t give her the time of the day.”
“Really?” Vivi asked rather enthusiastically.
Nami looked at her oddly.
The blue-haired woman immediately signaled for her to continue.
“As for Hiyori…”
There was a scowl on Nami’s face that made Vivi raised an eyebrow.
“Zoro dated her once. Just once. And that’s because their family is hosting that kendo event in Shimotsuki town. She needs an escort for that if I remember correctly. I wouldn’t even classify that as an actual date.” Nami grumbled the last sentence almost incoherently.
Vivi sweat-dropped. “Okay… no need to be intense about it.” That topic really touches a nerve in Nami whenever it is brought up. She never understood why and she never asked about it.
Mainly because whenever she tried before, Nami just casually dismisses it, that is, if she’s not trying to avoid the topic at all.
And Vivi just gave up about it completely. Nami and Zoro are always at odds with each other. It’s their normal mode of interaction, almost as normal as breathing. Maybe their antagonistic attitude towards each other extends up to the people they date.
She realized Nami was looking at her with eyes sharp and it almost made Vivi tremble. She instantly changed the topic.
“How about Sanji-san?”
“Sanji-kun?” Nami pondered about their blond friend for a moment. “He loves every woman Vivi. You should know that. He’s for every woman out there.”
“Oh, I honestly thought he’s still in touch with Pudding-san even after that whole family debacle last year…”
A curious look crossed Nami’s features. “Actually I really don’t know about that…” her eyes suddenly widened. “Hey do you know something? Your families are like in a one royal, social circle right?”
“No I don’t.” Vivi replied promptly. “I just thought they are because that’s all Sanji-san was talking about when I visited last year… well except for you and that lady in the bread store a couple of blocks away and that lady in…”
“Stop,” Nami raised her hand again. “We’ll be here all night and you’ll still not be finished with that list.”
Vivi laughed at that. “So they are all single as well.”
“Yeah and no, don’t even think about matching them up.” Nami warned her. “It will be disastrous I tell you.”
“I’m not planning to!”
“I know you Vivi,” Nami stare at her seriously. “And I also it’s gonna end up as my headache not yours. So I’m saying don’t!”
“I didn’t know you’re their mother now.”
“What can I say? They are idiots. They need someone to look after them.”
And Vivi smiled. There wasn’t any bite to Nami’s statement. In fact, it was even said out of affection. She maybe harsh with her words but she cares deeply for them. All of them.
They are a rowdy bunch when Vivi first met them in high school, with Nami looking like the only one with all the brain cells despite being the only girl in the group. They were loud, boisterous, they get into trouble most of the times but they welcomed her in their circle without any care about who she was, where she’s from or what she even does.
There was no prejudice in them. No judgment. It doesn’t matter if you’re the lowest of the low or the highest of the high.
Plus their loyalties know no bounds. They had proven that over and over again. They would really go out of their way for a friend, no questions asked.
“Earth to Vivi,” Nami called out, snapping her fingers in front of her. “You’re spacing out!”
“Sorry!” She apologized, bowing her head. Vivi mentally chastised herself for that. She didn’t need to be formal with Nami but old habits die hard.
Nami just choose to ignore her slip. She’s already used to it.
“So, going back to this guy I want you to meet.”
Nami’s jaw dropped open slightly. “Oh we are not done?”
“No.”
Nami groaned. “Seriously? Do I really look like I can’t get a date on my own?”
“Well your taste in men kind of borders to…” Vivi hesitated to continue. Nami surely knows what she’s gonna say. No need to voice it out. Besides if you can’t say anything nice, it’s better not to say anything at all right?
The woman in front of her smirked. “Tough-looking, troublesome guys?” She continued for her. “You know how I like it rough,” she joshed, winking at Vivi, who flushed at the innuendo.
“Nami!”
But Nami only laughed at her.
Vivi just shook her head at her brashness.
Well… to be fair, if Nami wanted a date she can get anyone she wants. She’s pretty, smart and talented.
She’s a damn hot package all rolled into one and any guy would be lucky to have her.
Except… she kind of have an affinity for the bad boy type. And it often leads into trouble and usually ends up in a fistfight with either Luffy or Zoro or Sanji and sometimes the unwilling Usopp.
Maybe if Nami dated someone a bit… distant from that usual bad boy type she likes. It wouldn’t end up with their friends engaged in a scuffle.
That’s one of the reason why Vivi makes it to a point to set her up with the nicest guys she can find.
She made a sudden grab for Nami’s hands squeezing it really tight and Nami winced at the pressure. Vivi’s grip sure is strong.
“What is it now?”
Vivi leaned towards the orange-haired woman. “This is the last one and I promise you. I won’t bug for the next year or so if this doesn’t work out.”
“Really?”
Vivi nodded. “Yes. I promise.” She smiled at Nami. “He’s a great guy. And I just thought it’d be nice for you to meet him… see what happens you know.”
Nami eyed Vivi warily. Of course she’d never say no to her. Her friend was just too enthusiastic with this. And truth be told most of the guys she introduced to her are as she said… great. Really great guys.
It’s just that… they are not—as Sanji-kun likes to put it mildly—her cup of tea.
Besides, she actually kind of… have something going on right now…
“So will you meet him?” Vivi interrupted her musings as she prodded Nami for an answer.
Nami glanced at the photo on Vivi’s phone and sighed. “You’re not gonna release my hands if I say no right?”
“Yes.”
“Ugh…”
“Looks too bland for her,” A deep voice suddenly piped in.
Both of them looked up just as Zoro unceremoniously dropped down the available space beside Nami; earning a squeak from her as the sudden, heavy weight bounced her off her seat slightly.
“Zoro!” Nami automatically yelped at the man.
“Zoro-san!” Vivi greeted the newcomer, releasing Nami’s hands. Then her brows drew together when she recalled his comment. “Uhm… I’m sorry but what did you say?”
Nami guffawed at her question. “That means Zoro doesn’t like him.” She pointed at Vivi’s phone.
The green-haired man smirked. “Too pansy. You got nothing new Vivi?”
Vivi was quiet for a moment, glancing back and forth at them. “Uhm…”
Nami didn’t bother waiting for Vivi’s reply. Zoro’s question probably caught her off guard. She smacked his thigh. “Why are you late? Did you seriously just woke up? I told you to come here an hour ago!”
“Why does that even matter?” Zoro groused. “I’m here now aren’t I?”
“And the others?” Nami glowered at him.
Zoro shrugged his shoulders. “Later than me from the looks of it.”
She puffed her cheeks disapprovingly. “You guys are the worst. Did you tell them Vivi’s here?”
“I thought you told them.”
“Ugh. I really can’t leave anything to you,” Nami complained as she pulled out her phone from the back pocket of her jeans.
Vivi was observing them with keen interest, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Zoro and Nami’s perpetual squabbling are always entertaining to watch. She secretly enjoyed their constant back and forth.
Nami threw him an evil glare before scooting away to call either Luffy or Usopp, Vivi wasn’t sure.
Zoro just snorted at her behavior before turning his attention to Vivi. “Nice to see you again Vivi.”
“Likewise Zoro-san,” Vivi bowed her head politely. She was always a bit formal when addressing him even if they’ve been friends for a long time. It’s probably because of his kendo background that brings out her traditional and polite upbringing.
His finger tapped her phone lightly and her attention were drawn to it. “So is this Nami’s newest victim?”
Vivi pressed her lips together but she still nodded.
Zoro just grinned evilly. "Why set her up with that? If you want pansy, there’s shit cook.”
Nami elbowed him on the ribs as hard as she can. “I can still hear you even if I’m ordering Usopp to get his and Luffy’s ass here right now!” She held her phone a few inches away from her ear and they can hear some shouting in the other line. She ended the call and raised her fist to hit his arm. Zoro caught her hand before she can even land a hit.
The tug of war began as Nami tried to pull her hand away but Zoro held on to it with a vicious grin on his face.
Vivi was left to watch them again.
Apparently nothing has changed with her friends. She can only imagine how chaotic it will be once Luffy and the others get here.
She chose to just ignore the two and took a sip of her coffee. Then something occurred to her and she tilted her head to side in wonder.
“So Zoro-san,” she called to the green-haired man. “Are you’re like her date approver now?” Vivi interrupted their bickering as she held her phone up. They turned to stare at her, then at her phone before going back at each other.
A grin appeared on Zoro’s face again, this time a bit malicious. One that certainly promises nothing good for Nami.
“Vivi!” Nami looked at her, horrified.
Zoro’s deep laugh sounded out from their booth. “Seeing how most of the time I end up in a fight with her so-called boyfriends… I think I get a say on this.”
Nami snarled from beside him. “I honestly think you all are doing it deliberately.”
“Can’t help it if most of them are asses.”
Vivi couldn’t stop herself from exclaiming. “See! Even Zoro-san thinks your taste in guys is awful.”
“Hey I didn’t say that!”
“Sounded like that is what you mean.” Nami said through gritted teeth and she narrowed her eyes at him.
“Don’t put words in my mouth witch!”
Vivi sweat-dropped again as they started another round of argument like she wasn’t even there. She sat silently for a minute before deciding to intervene.
“Alright stop it you two!” Vivi ordered and surprisingly the other two immediately obeyed. “No need to quarrel about this and no need to make any decision right now.” Her eyes rested on Nami as she slipped her phone back in her bag.
“Just let me know your answer before I leave town alright?”
Nami nodded warily. “Fine.
“If you wanted someone like that, why not date ero-cook?” Zoro commented smugly, crossing his arms over his chest. “Surely would save Vivi the trouble.”
“Why are you picking on me today?” Nami grumbled in protest as she gave him a flinty side-glance.
“I’m not.”
“Zoro-san, you and the others should really stop picking on the guys I set Nami up with.”
“Tell that to Usopp. And Luffy.”
“Oh gee pointing fingers huh?” Nami said in a mocking tone.
“I never said anything about those guys you are dating.” Zoro drawled, sending an infuriating smirk on Nami’s way and Nami responded by pulling his ear.
“Hey! Let me go woman!”
Vivi watched them for a few seconds. Then she stood up and brushed off some imaginary dust on her skirt.
“Where are you going?” Nami inquired, still pinching Zoro’s ear as he slapped her hand. “Luffy and the others will be here soon.”
“Feels like you both are gonna start another round of your argument so I’ll just go to the ladies’ room.” Vivi said with smiled.
————————
When Vivi disappeared from their sight, Nami finally released Zoro.
“Serves you right,” Nami muttered, crossing her arms over her chest and looking like she was about to sulk.
Zoro was rubbing his ear. Thankfully she didn’t pull at the one with his earrings. Or she might rip them right off his ear.
“So,” he began, as he continued to rub at the abused part . “You didn’t tell her?”
He was answered with a cheeky grin.
“Not yet,” Nami hummed as she stirred her iced coffee using straw. “Thought it would be fun to see what she’s got for me this time.” She rested her elbow on the table, cradling her chin on palm of her hand as she looked at Zoro. “You’re not jealous?”
Zoro scoffed. “Why should I?”
“Tch. You’re no fun.” Nami pouted as she poked him on the chest. He swatted her hand away. “But I know you will be… eventually.”
“Dream on woman.” Zoro muttered as he eyed her disdainfully. He grabbed her hand that was still continuously poking him. “Don’t you dare try it deliberately though.”
“Me?”
“I know how your devilish mind works Nami.”
Nami laughed. She pushed herself off the table and reached out to squeeze his face with her hand to steal a kiss or two that left him red and sputtering angrily at her.
————————
Vivi stepped out of the rest room and bowed politely at the woman waiting for her turn. It really didn’t take her that long; she just needed to check if she looks presentable since the others will arrive soon.
She walked past the glass partition that was separating the lavatory area from the booths. From there, she can see that Zoro and Nami are now talking normally (a surprise in itself) instead of squabbling as usual.
Though she’s not just sure if it was about the guy she wanted Nami to meet because they do look a bit serious.
And Vivi stopped short. She realized that they were now sitting close to each other, with Zoro’s arm draped casually over the back of the leather seat.
Nami was grinning cheekily at him. From the looks of it, she’s probably teasing him given the way the older man’s brows were furrowed. She knows how Nami loves doing that just to piss the usually stoic man off.
She watched Zoro’s face crumpled in irritation as Nami’s started poking at his chest.
A thought struck her while she continued observing them. Come to think of it… something seemed different between those two today. Something she couldn’t put her finger on.
Or maybe it’s just because she hadn’t seen them for a long time?
Nami was still poking at Zoro’s chest and Zoro probably reached the end of his rope because he grabbed Nami’s hand to stop her. The orange-haired woman laughed even as he was saying something to her.
Then Nami reached out and squeezed Zoro’s face in her hand before nonchalantly giving him a kiss.
Vivi’s eyes widened and a squeal of surprise escaped her.
Did… did Nami just kissed Zoro?
She watched Zoro sputtered and turned red from embarrassment at the display of affection.
Are… are they together???
Nami looked unperturbed at his reaction and instead kissed him again.
They… they probably are!!!
Vivi’s hands automatically flew to cover her mouth to stop a louder, longer squeal from escaping.
Sweet heavens they are!!!
And Vivi felt her face heat up in mortification. She’d been persistently trying to get Nami to meet and date a guy right in front of her boyfriend!
Oh no!
She stiffly made her way back to them, trying her very best to act nonchalant and to keep a straight face—even if it was so obviously red.
And thank her lucky stars because before she was even near their booth, Zoro stood up and grumbled something at the still laughing Nami before leaving and heading towards the café counter.
Vivi then reclaimed her spot across Nami silent as ever, fiddling with her thumbs under the table to keep herself calm.
"So about that date,” Nami began as soon as she sat down.
“Uhm…” Vivi struggled to maintain a neutral face as she nodded. Her cheeks were already twitching as she was trying so hard.
Nami peered at her face, sensing that something was wrong with her.
“Are you al—”
"Uh… I don’t think I’ll set you up with him.” Vivi cut her off.
Nami raised an eyebrow. “Oh, ok.” She then glanced furtively at Zoro, who was ordering at the counter. Vivi saw it and she did the same.
Then she coughed lightly to get Nami’s attention.
“You know…” Vivi started to say, just as she felt that her face was near it’s limit. She let a teasing grin spread on her lips. “You could’ve just told me you’re with Zoro-san already. That’s why you’re too ‘busy’ to date anyone.”
Nami gaped at her.
Vivi stole a glance at the tall man again, then dealt the killing blow as casually as she can, refraining from looking at Nami and busying herself with stirring her coffee.
“I saw you kissed him.”
She let that linger in the air between them as Nami seemed to turn to stone at each passing second.
Vivi lifted her cup to her lips, never losing her smile. At the same time she raised her eyes to gaze at her still dumbfounded friend.
Summary:Because in all honestly, neither one of them falls under the nice category.
“You in there?”
Nami bent down slightly, drawing the festively designed blanket that covered the entrance of the pillow fort to the side to peer in.
She only got a low grunt for answer. But that is enough to confirm where their swordsman is after he vanished from their party earlier.
The navigator straightened up as she studied the makeshift fort in front of her. No use asking Zoro what he is doing inside it because if you really know the man at all… it’s damn pretty obvious.
Considering how all the Sunny’s library lights are off and the place was only illuminated by the Christmas tree lights… she’s sure the green-haired man had just found his new—but temporary—sleeping spot.
It was probably Usopp’s idea to build the fort. A good decision too really. Luffy and Chopper were so excited for their Christmas party later that night that they went hyperactive and got in everyone’s way and preparations (particularly Sanji who has been slaving in the kitchen all day) instead of actually helping out.
And Nami clearly remembered she delegated the task of baby-sitting them to Zoro, who ‘accepted’ it with grunt and a scowl.
How Usopp ended up baby-sitting them (Zoro included) instead of helping Franky set up the tree in the library, she can only speculate. But from what she heard from Jinbei… Robin took over the Usopp’s task in assisting the shipwright.
That made Nami raised an eyebrow. Oh, she had her suspicions that something is going on between their older crewmates.
The sniper probably intended to join the two younger Mugiwaras in their antics, and ended up looking out and distracting the two, taking over Zoro’s supposedly responsibility.
Which is good, because honestly… the katana wielder is absolutely useless when it comes to Luffy and Chopper and their pleading eyes.
Her eyes scrutinized the fluffy fort. She had no idea where they got all those pillows nor can she recall they had that many on board. There were also blankets from the ship’s storage closet that were tied to the library’s windows along with those that looked like the ones she and Robin bought from the town’s market yesterday.
They were so festive looking—with bright colors of red, green and white and scattered designs of snowflakes, reindeers, decorated pine trees and silhouettes of a fat man in a red ensemble. She and the archaeologist can’t help but think that they are perfect for tonight.
That is… if they didn’t end up part of the pillow fort her childish friends decided to build.
She sighed. She’ll just charge them the total cost of those new blankets.
But she had to admit. Usopp did a good job putting it up. Luffy and Chopper absolutely loved it. It actually held their interest long enough for them all to enjoy a few Luffy & Chopper free hours and finish their preparations for tonight.
And apparently… Zoro likes it too. Why else would he sneak out of the party to doze off inside it when he can literally just fall asleep right there at the galley even with their noises.
Nami bent down her knees.
“Make some space Zoro!” That was her only warning to him as she started to crawl inside it.
She heard Zoro huffed in irritation at her demand. “There’s no room for another in here.” He answered back in a snide tone.
“You’re the only one inside!” She retorted as she continued to make her way in. What the hell was he saying? Luffy, Usopp and Chopper were all in there along with him earlier. That means it is spacious enough.
She realized what he meant when she saw him. Of course another person can’t fit in because the idiot swordsman was lying, spread eagled on the whole floor space as if he exclusively owns the place!
It wasn’t really that cramp. But since Zoro is a large man, he dominated the whole area of the fort easily (and selfishly, she might add).
She felt her ears heating at that.
So Nami decided to just crawl all over him… making sure to dig her elbows and knees as hard as she could on any available part of him.
She grinned wickedly when she heard an annoyed grunt from underneath her.
“Nami!” Zoro growled as he tried to move from his position. But it was too late. She already had him pinned beneath her. One of her knees dug into his leg as she wriggled her body above him trying to find a more comfortable position while draped all over him. “Oi careful!” Zoro warned and he immediately caught her other knee before it hit a rather sensitive spot.
Her grin immediately turned into a more dangerous smile.
“Ooops…” Nami sing-songed as her face hovered over his. “My bad,” she said in a cheeky and obviously unapologetic tone.
Zoro looked at her irritably. “Damn it woman! Do you really have to do this?”
“Yes because as usual, you’re being an ass.” She emphasized her answer by shifting above him in a totally careless manner… deliberately.
Zoro grumbled expletives under his breath. His body maybe tough and hard from all the training he was doing, but when Nami in intentionally moving like she was lying on a bumpy mattress and was trying to beat the lumps in using her elbows and knees… it’s a different story.
“Stop it!” He ordered before caging her to him using one arm.
“Hey!” Nami complained. “No need to be so rough!”
Zoro bit back a defiant and rather salacious retort on how she sometimes likes it when he’s rough on her. Instead, he wrapped his other arm around her as well, before tackling her to the side as Nami squealed in surprise.
“Zoro!”
The green-haired man chuckled at her reaction. Yet he didn’t release her even as she tried to wiggle her body to free herself from him.
“Serves you right.”
Surprisingly, she easily gave up and childishly blew him a raspberry.
Zoro just smirked as he looked down her face. It was a bit dark inside the pillow fort, but he can still make out her puffed cheeks and pouting lips thanks to the brilliant Christmas tree lights Franky had set up earlier.
He bent down and swiftly stole a kiss from them.
And Nami immediately relaxed in his arms at that. He in turn loosened his hold around her. But he still kept her within his embrace, as she tilted her head to look at him.
And damn he did not like the way she’s looking at him right now.
“So… where are my presents?”
Zoro inwardly groaned. He should have known that was the reason why she was looking for him.
And did she say presents?
Nami was looking at him expectantly then her brows furrowed.
“Don’t tell me you don’t have anything for me?” She gasped exaggeratedly.
Well… it wasn’t like she was expecting something from him. But still… it’s Christmas right?
Zoro gave her a curious look. “Depends… have you been naughty or nice?”
She blinked at his question. “What does that have to do with your gifts for me?”
“You heard Chopper’s story about that fat guy who slides down chimneys to give out gifts?”
“Yeah,” Nami nodded. “He told us about it in the party earlier!”
“Well he has a naughty and nice list.”
“…”
Zoro looked her in the eye. “Only the nice ones can receive gifts,” he said in an almost somber tone as if he was talking to a petulant child. “You’ve been anything but nice Nami.”
She almost shot up and out of his arms at that.
And Zoro laughed at her reaction.
“You!” Nami kicked his leg in retaliation. “I can’t believe you Zoro! I’ve been nothing but nice to you this week!”
“That’s because you are trying to wheedle a gift from me.”
“Because it’s Christmas!”
“So?”
Nami scowled at him. “Look who’s being naughty now? I hope the fat guy doesn’t leave you with any presents!”
Zoro grinned. “Honestly, do you think I’m Luffy? Or Chopper?”
“You don’t get a gift from me as well.”
“I really don’t mind not getting one.”
Nami stuck her tongue out at him. “That’s it! If you don’t have anything for me, screw being nice!”
That only made him laugh louder. He didn’t doubt that for a second. Nami’s notorious for being ‘super kind’ when she wants to get something… especially from him.
Like that would work. He knows her too much. Almost like the back of his hands.
He smirked at her again, pulling her towards him, leaving no space between them as their bodies pressed close to each other.
“You are in no way a nice girl,” Zoro drawled as he watched her lips pursed. “But I actually prefer you naughty…” He whispered lowly at her ear before giving her butt a hearty slap, squeezing it a little,, before his laughter rumbled inside the fort again.
“YOU!” Nami stiffened against him, yet he felt her hands grasp the front of his jacket. A sure sign that she liked what he did. “Argh damn it!”
He cut off her incoming rant by pressing his lips against her. Soft, feather light kisses before shifting to light teasing nips that made her sigh contentedly.
“You’re not nice too you know.” Nami mumbled in between their kisses.
“I know.”
“Pirate hunters really not are.”
“Are cat burglars nice?”
“Hmmm…”
Zoro chuckled as she feigned mulling over her answer.
Nami snickered. “Then we are both not getting any presents from Chopper’s fat chimney guy.”
“True.”
They laugh a bit at their inside joke.
“Hey, Merry Christmas.” Nami greeted with a pretty smile on her face.
“Merry Christmas Nami.” Zoro returned her smile. “And yeah, I actually have something for you. Even if you haven’t been nice at all.”
“Really now?” She giggled excitedly. She ran her fingers through his hair. “How about we call truce for Christmas?”
“Truce.” He agreed as he tilted her chin with his finger to kiss her again.
“Hmm… how sturdy is this fort?” Nami suddenly asked, stopping him momentarily.
Zoro raised an eyebrow at her. “No idea.”
“Think we can be a bit naughty here?” Nami whispered suggestively as she hooked a leg on his waist.
The corner of his lips twitched up at her suggestion. “Let’s find out then.”
Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.
Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.
Warning: OOC possible. One shot scribble.
Rating:T
Note:To aani_cos. My ZoNa secret santa for the ZoNa Holiday 2021 at @zonamievents. Hope you like it!
Happy Holidays! I hope everyone will have a blast celebrating Christmas and New Year!
Summary:The snow started to fall down softly on them as the temperature around them grew slightly colder. But the soft smile on their faces and their joined hands were enough to warm them both up.
Everything is white.
It was like they stepped inside one of those snow globes displayed in one of the store windows that Chopper was admiring earlier.
The town they were currently at is pretty laid-back. It was calm, quiet and just… white.
Everywhere.White.
Probably because it was the height of winter on this island.
It should’ve made the whole area plain… boring even. But somehow all that whiteness decorating anything and everything only gave the place a rather magical quality that wasn’t seen in any island before.
Zoro impatiently shifted his weight from one leg to the other, the soft crunch of snow under his boot reached his ears. He was standing in front of the store for a good half hour now… waiting. He let out a sigh and scratched his head in a frustrated manner.
The sound of a bell tinkling caught his attention as the door behind him opened. He swiveled around and was met by two of his crewmates—who both have bright smiles plastered on their faces.
“We’re done!” Nami announced as she took a step beside him.
Zoro noticed that there was a certain bounce in it… something that he usually sees whenever she bought something that made her really happy.
“And Zoro’s still here Chopper!” She gushed exaggeratedly. “He didn’t disappear nor did he get lost!”
A vein popped on his forehead at that.
“Wow!” Chopper was looking up at him in amazement. “It’s a miracle Nami!”
And another.
“I know right?” The navigator joshed, giving Zoro a wink before cheekily shoving the shopping bag she was holding at his direction.
Zoro just grabbed it from her without another word, an addition to the growing number of bags that he was already carrying.
“Chopper,” Nami sing-songed. “Just hand your shopping bag to Zoro. He’s our delegated hauler for the day and he is more than happy to help us.” The mapmaker instructed as she beamed a smile at him.
Zoro scowled at her. Yet he signaled to Chopper to give him the bag that he was holding.
Chopper blinked up at the swordsman, looking a little hesitant. The former bounty hunter crouched down and patted his head in an assuring manner before taking the bag from him.
“Thank you Zoro,” Chopper said shyly.
That actually made the green-haired man smile. “No worries Chopper.” Zoro then lifted him up and placed him on his shoulder.
Chopper giggled as he got a much better view of his surroundings from where he was perched at. Nami had invited him to go shopping for the crew’s Christmas gifts. He was actually surprised to find out that she managed to rope Zoro into coming with them and helping them out. He couldn’t help but be in awe at how she was able to do that.
Only Nami can do that to one of their formidable fighters.
He really wonders how she does it. More so, because instead of the usual grumbling Zoro does whenever Nami succeeds in making him to do something that he doesn’t want to… he was surprisingly tolerant of the navigator’s shopping expedition.
And he also doesn’t look like he loathes the idea of being Nami’s pack-mule for the day.
Chopper initially volunteered to help carry Nami’s shopping bags but Zoro dismissed the offer with a slight wave of his hand.
That had the reindeer doctor wondering. Zoro was being… nice to Nami.
And Nami wasn’t berating him or talking his ears off like she usually does.
The two weren’t even trying to kill each other with glares or words the whole time they were wandering in town.
What is going on?
Chopper straightened up from his position and Zoro looked at him questioningly.
Zoro and Nami had a weird yet working dynamics that was kinda hard to understand.
Maybe it’s because… it’s Christmas time? And they both decided for a truce to celebrate the holiday spirit?
If that’s the case then this is really the wonderful time of the year!
He was giggling again as he shook his head at Zoro.
“What is it Chopper?”
“Nothing,” the small doctor smiled. “Ne, Zoro. Your ear is cold.”
“That’s because Nami is taking too long buying things.”
Nami—who was busy consulting the small notebook she pulled out from her coat pocket—swiftly turned towards them with a glare. “It’s not my fault you refuse to wear a knit caps or earmuffs!”
“Hnn…”
“I can’t have you freezing before we even finished shopping Zoro!” She complained as she stomped towards him. “You promised to help carry the stuff while I help you with your presents remember?”
“Forced is more like it.”
“Zoro you can borrow my scarf,” Chopper offered. “It’ll help warm you.”
“I’m alright Chopper.”
“Alright my ass,” Nami muttered as she rummaged through the bags Zoro is holding. She pulled out a beautiful midnight blue scarf, fixed him with a glare that promises nothing good for him if he didn’t let her have her way.
He silently conceded and let her wrap it around his neck, almost covering half of his face as Chopper watched them. Zoro didn’t bother protesting lest she decides to smother him with it instead.
Plus it actually felt nice. The scarf. Not the way Nami was wrapping it around his neck like a concerned girlfriend.
He inwardly winced at that thought.
He felt a weird twitch in his hand.
“There!” She announced, brushing his coat with her hands and straightening it. “You look pretty.”
“Shut up.”
She placed both of her hands on her hips. “We still need to finish our task today Zoro. I don’t want your ass turning into an icicle before we do!”
“Besides,” she continued. “We still need to buy your gifts for us! Don’t you want to give us something nice for a change? Everyone’s preparing something for everyone.”
Zoro grumbled something under his breath.
“How about saving your lives? That doesn’t count anymore?”
“You’re really that broke huh?”
“…”
Chopper watched their exchange with keen interest. Initially when he joined the crew, he thought they hated each other and was only being tolerant of each other’s presence because of Luffy.
But he realized that was not the case. They are just like that with each other. He come to understand that despite their heated exchanges, their callous words and sarcastic tones… they do care for each other.
Robin had said it before… sometimes words are not needed as action speaks louder.
Zoro is with Nami today, accompanying her as she did her shopping and going as far as carrying her bags for her. And knowing how the older lad prefers sleeping or training than a shopping trip to town… this is saying something to be honest.
And Nami was being absolutely tolerant of the swordsman. She didn’t nag him that much or got angry with him or even punched him like she usually does…
She even draped a scarf around his neck to keep him warm. A scarf he knows Nami had actually bought for Zoro as a gift.
The reindeer doctor felt warm and fuzzy all over. It was really nice to see his two friends who are always at odds with each other be nice to each other for a change.
What a very merry Christmas indeed!
Chopper fought back a giggle and Zoro threw a curious look his way again.
“What is it Chopper?”
“Nothing.”
“You keep on tittering. Is your stomach upset or something?”
“I’m ok Zoro it’s just…”
“Are you alright Chopper?” Nami asked, scrutinizing him. “Your face is kinda turning red. Are you cold?”
“No! No!” Chopper shook his head. “I’m just…”
Zoro and Nami exchanged concerned glances.
“I’m just happy that’s all!” He chirped. “It’s really a very merry Christmas!”
Zoro and Nami smiled at that. It wasn’t really a secret that they both have a soft spot for their youngest crewmate.
“Merry Christmas Zoro. Nami.”
“Merry Christmas Chopper.” Nami tiptoed and gave his blue nose a peck. Zoro in turn, patted his head again.
“Let’s go and finished this,” Zoro suggested. “How many more stores do we need go?”
“Ok,” Chopper agreed. “Oh! There is that bookstore that Robin mentioned last night.” He pointed towards the building a few feet away from them. He clambered down from Zoro’s shoulder, jumping halfway and changing into his walk point as he trotted toward the store excitedly.
“You should know, the next stores we’ll be going are all Chopper’s requests.” Nami threw Zoro a look that clearly says ‘go on and try to complain’. Because she knew he wouldn’t and couldn’t.
Zoro glanced at Chopper who was ahead of them. He nodded as Nami started walking towards where the reindeer is.
Then she stopped and turned her head to look back at him.
Zoro raised an eyebrow at her.
Nami gave him a smile. That smile.
That damn smile that never fails to make his stomach feel weird whenever he sees it. The one damn reason why he is here with her instead of back in their ship, sleeping.
His felt hand twitched again… for the umpteenth time. It had been doing that all day.
And he realized now why.
He was fighting the urge to reach out and hold her hand in his like a goddamn love-struck sap all this time.
He’d been wrestling with that impulse from the moment they left the Sunny to go shopping in town.
Suddenly Nami was in front of him, standing on tiptoes again, this time to plant a kiss on his cheek.
Zoro sputtered. His face immediately turning to red from embarrassment.
And Nami laughed out loud. She knows how he easily gets flustered when she does something like this out in the open and for all to see.
He’s still not used to displays of affection. Well… they did decide to be together just recently.
Plus, he did have a reputation to keep.
Still that won’t stop her from trying to break that ever-stoic exterior of his every now and then.
“Thanks for today Zoro,” Nami grinned. “Even though I know this is more because I promised to lend you some money for your gifts, free of interest of course!” She winked at him. “I guess you should consider that my gift to you.” With that she spun around to follow Chopper.
But not before giving him that smileagain.
And he was lost.
He reached out and grasped her hand in his.
Nami stopped and looked back at him in surprise.
And Zoro watched her face slowly lit up.
It was the first time he had ever tried to hold her hand while they were outside.
And it was… exhilarating.
Her features softened as she stared at their hands then at his face. She gave it a squeeze, a silent gesture that she appreciated the effort he placed into it. And that if he wants to let go… she wouldn’t mind because she knows this is something new to him.
But he held on tighter, clasping her hand as if it was the most natural thing in the world as he tugged her slightly to head towards where Chopper is.
The snow started to fall down softly on them as the temperature around them grew slightly colder.
But the soft smile on their faces and their joined hands were enough to warm them both up.
————————-
Chopper watched the two figures walking towards him amidst the falling white snow.
He had reverted back to his original form when he witnessed what happened earlier.
Chopper giggled and blushed when he realized what was really going on between his two friends.
